Worthington wants to avenge defeat

Nigel Worthington believes Northern Ireland have “a score to settle” when they face Slovenia in a World Cup qualifier at Windsor Park tonight.

Northern Ireland aim to cement their place at the top of Group Three in their last game of the season after an indifferent start to the campaign.

That included a 2-0 defeat by the visitors in Maribor and Worthington is anxious to put the record straight and build on the victory against Poland at the weekend.

“We have a score to settle,” said the Northern Ireland manager.

“The defeat in Slovenia was difficult to take after the performance we put in and that’s fresh in our minds.

“We very much think that they’re beatable. They’re coming into our back garden where it is lovely and flat. The weather is also lovely.

“It’s alright talking about it, we’ve got to go and produce and get in their faces from the first minute with a high tempo and non-stop work ethic.

“We had one point from three games at the start of the campaign so we’ve turned it around with winning games with good performances and that’s got to continue.

“Everyone has been spot on since last Tuesday when we met up and the players got their feet straight back on the ground on Sunday after beating Poland.

“I wouldn’t say I’ve had a spring in my step, though, because I know how quickly this game can change.”

Skipper Aaron Hughes is also convinced they can retain that winning mentality in front of their own fans.

He wants his side to ruffle Slovenia’s feathers just as they did Poland’s.

“We try and press teams and put pressure on them in a controlled way, ” said the Fulham defender.

“We should not have anything to fear in a sense from Slovenia. When we went there we put them under pressure.

“They took what we threw at them and hit us with two late goals. That was disappointing for us.

“But we have a chance at Windsor, although we will have to be wary of them and keep our focus.

“We have to try and reverse the scoreline from the first game.”

Motherwell defender Stephen Craigan is doubtful after sitting out training and he will be assessed in the morning.

Worthington is already without Chris Brunt, who is banned after picking up his second yellow card of the campaign in the 3-2 victory against Poland.

However defender George McCartney and midfielder Steven Davis are available again after suspension.